2 January 13, 2009 Mr. Tom Falbo President Bluff Country Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority 204 South Elm Street Rushford, MN Dear Mr. Falbo: Attached is the study Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Houston County, Minnesota conducted by Maxfield Research Inc. The study projects housing demand for each community in Houston County from 2008 to It also provides recommendations on the amount and types of housing that could be built to satisfy demand from current and future residents. The Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment finds that household growth and changes in demographic characteristics and housing preferences will create demand for nearly 840 housing units in Houston County from 2008 to Included in this total is demand for about 610 ownership units and 230 rental and senior units. In total, we find demand for about 90 additional housing units from low- and moderate-income households. Assistance by the Bluff Country HRA and other government agencies may be necessary to ensure that the housing needs of these lower and moderate income households is provided. Detailed information regarding housing demand by community and recommended housing types can be found in the Conclusions and Recommendations section at the end of the report. We have enjoyed performing this Market for you and are available should you have any questions or need additional information. Sincerely, MAXIELD RESEARCH INC. Jay Thompson Vice President Attachment (fax) First Avenue NE, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN

6 LIST OF TABLES Table Number and Title Page 1. Population Growth Trends and Projections, Houston County, Household Growth Trends and Projections, Houston County, Population Age Distribution, Houston County, 1990 to Household Tenure Trends, Houston County, Tenure by Age, Houston County, Household Income by Age of Householder, Houston County, Household Income by Age of Householder, Houston County, Tenure by Household Income, Houston County, Household Type Trends, Houston County, 1990 and Covered Employment by Industry, Houston County, 2000 and Resident Employment, Houston County, 1990 to Houston County Commuting Patterns, Major Employers, Houston County, Age of Housing Stock, Houston County, New Home Construction, Houston County, 2000 to General Occupancy Housing, Houston County, November Market Rate Subsidized Senior Housing, Houston County, November Homes Sold by Price Range, Houston County, 2004 through Volume and Median Sales Price of Homes Sold, Houston County, 2003 through Homes Currently Listed For-Sale, Houston County Communities, November Active Single Family Housing Developments, Spring Grove Market Area, November & December Demand for Additional Rental Housing, Houston County, 2008 to Demand for Additional For-Sale Housing, Houston County, 2008 to

7 KEY FINDINGS Introduction Maxfield Research Inc. was engaged by the Bluff Country Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to conduct a comprehensive housing needs assessment for Houston County. Detailed calculations of housing demand from 2008 to 2020 can be found in the Conclusions and Recommendations section of the report. Recommendations on the amount and types of housing that should be developed to accommodate the housing needs in each community is presented as well. The following are key highlights from the comprehensive housing needs assessment. Key Findings 1. Houston County has been experiencing slow but steady population and household growth. By 2020, Houston County is projected to have a population of about 21,650 people, up from an estimated 20,525 people in 2008 and 19,718 people in Demand is projected for about 840 new housing units in Houston County during the 12- year period between 2008 and Total projected housing demand by community from 2008 to 2020 is as follows (demand factors household growth and replacement need of older, obsolete homes): La Crescent = 280 units (33% of the County s housing demand) Caledonia = 110 units (13%) Spring Grove = 55 units (6.5%) Houston = 30 units (3.5%) Brownsville = 25 units (3%) Hokah = 12 units (1.5%) Eitzen = 8 units (1%) Townships = 320 units (38%) 4. About 80% of the demand for housing in Houston County will be driven by household growth. Household growth projections in this report were made by Maxfield Research Inc., based on Minnesota Demographic Center projections that were adjusted to reflect interviews with city representatives as well as recent building trends. It should be noted that because households are mobile and are willing to seek out various housing products in adjacent communities, the demand figures shown for each community may experience fluctuations based on local development trends. 5. Between 2008 and 2020, about 73% of the housing demand in the County is projected to be for owned housing and 27% for rental housing (including senior rental). When excluding housing demand in the townships, which is entirely for owned housing, the remaining demand in the seven communities is for 295 owned units (57%) and 225 rental/ senior units (43%) MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 1

8 KEY FINDINGS 6. The projected demand for 840 housing units in Houston County from 2008 to 2020 is shown by type of housing below. Single-family = 530 units (63% of total demand) Senior housing = 180 units (21%) For-sale multifamily = 80 units (10%) Rental housing = 50 units (6%) 7. There is an adequate supply of lots for single-family homes in the County and private developers will likely meet the demand for new homes from higher-income buyers. The existing housing stock will meet most of the demand for modestly-priced single-family homes and rental units. Public assistance in the form of home rehabilitation loans for low- and moderate-income homeowners and affordable rental units will be needed to help maintain the quality of the affordable housing stock. This will be important to meet future housing needs, since most communities do not have enough growth to justify developing new apartment or senior buildings. Thus, maintaining the quality of the existing housing stock for future generations should be a high priority. 8. Over half of the rental demand in Houston County between 2008 and 2020 will be in La Crescent (30 units). Most of the new rental units should have monthly rents below the payment standard for Housing Choice Vouchers in the County (currently $466 for 1BR units, $613 for 2BR units, and $813 for 3BR units). It may be necessary for assistance through a program such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to develop an apartment with rents that are affordable to moderate-income renters. Demand for new rental units in the remaining communities will be limited to a duplex or four-plex at most, with the exception of Caledonia, which could support up to 12 more units. 9. About 21% of total housing demand in Houston County between 2008 and 2020 is expected to be for senior housing. The following is senior housing demand in the County by service level. Almost all of this demand should be met by new developments or expansions of existing facilities in La Crescent, Caledonia, Houston, and Spring Grove. La Crescent has the greatest unmet need. Adult rental (no services) = 50 units Congregate = 55 units Assisted living = 45 units Memory care = 30 units 10. In addition to senior housing products that are age-restricted, almost all of the demand for for-sale townhomes will be from empty-nesters and retirees seeking to downsize from their single-family homes. Townhomes should be one-level units with attached garages that are priced below $200,000. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 2

9 PUPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY Study Impetus Maxfield Research Inc. was engaged by the Bluff Country Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to conduct a comprehensive housing needs assessment for Houston County. The comprehensive housing needs assessment calculates demand from 2008 to 2020 for various types of housing in each community and the rural areas in the County. The study provides recommendations on the amount and types of housing that should be developed to accommodate the housing needs of new and existing households. Scope of Work The scope of this study includes: an analysis of the demographic growth trends and characteristics of the County to 2020; an assessment of current housing characteristics in the County; an analysis of the for-sale housing market in the County; an analysis of the rental housing market in the County; an analysis of the senior housing market in the County; an estimate of the demand for all types of housing in the County from 2008 to 2020; and recommendations of appropriate housing concepts to meet current and future needs of County residents. The report contains primary and secondary research. Primary research includes interviews with rental property managers and owners, Realtors, developers, City staff and others involved in the housing market in Houston County. All of the market data on existing and pending housing developments was collected by Maxfield Research Inc. and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Secondary data, such as U.S. Census, is credited to the source and is used as a basis for analysis. Data was collected and analyzed for each city in the County as well as for the townships. A map on the following page shows the location of the cities and townships in the County. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 3

10 PUPOSE AND SCOPE OF STUDY MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 4

11 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Demographic Analysis Introduction This section of the report examines factors related to the current and future demand for housing in Houston County, Minnesota. Included in this section is an analysis of: Population and household growth trends and projections, projected age distribution, household income distribution, household types, household tenure (owner/renters), employment growth trends and characteristics, age of housing stock, and recent residential building permit trends. This section of the report includes totals for each of the communities within the County. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 5

12 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Population and Household Growth Trends and Projections Tables 1 and 2 on Pages 7 and 8 present population and household growth trends and projections for Houston County from 1990 projected to The data from 1990 and 2000 is from the U.S. Census, while the 2008 estimates and 2010 and 2020 projections were made by Maxfield Research Inc. based on Minnesota Demographic Center projections and recent housing development trends. Key findings of Tables 1 and 2 are: 4 Houston County s population is projected to increase from 19,718 people in 2000 to about 20,600 people in Between 2010 and 2020, the population is projected to increase by another 1,000 people. 4 Houston County added about 1,200 people during the 1990s. Growth has slowed this decade particularly during the past couple of years as the national and state economies have slowed considerably. 4 La Crescent is the largest community in Houston County, with about 5,200 people in La Crescent is separated from La Crosse, Wisconsin by the Mississippi River. La Crosse and the surrounding communities of Onalaska and Holmen combine for a population of about 70,000 people. 4 After La Crescent, the next largest community is Caledonia, the County Seat, with a population of about 3,000. The other five communities range in size from 225 people (Eitzen) to 1,380 people (Spring Grove). 4 Houston County is projected to add 680 households between 2008 and Since households represent occupied housing units, this growth translates into the need for roughly 680 housing units in the County over the 30-year period. 4 About 65% of the projected household growth in Houston County from 2008 to 2020 will be in the seven communities. The townships are projected to see growth of about 250 households, or 35% of the overall growth. Most new housing in the townships has been, and will continue to be, single-family homes on farms or larger estates. 4 La Crescent is projected to have the greatest household growth in the County between 2008 and 2020, adding about 260 new households, or 20 to 25 households annually. La Crescent s growth is somewhat limited by the availability of land (the City is surrounded by the Mississippi River and bluffs), particularly land zoned for higher-density housing. Some of the growth is now occurring on the north side of town located in Winona County. 4 Spring Grove s population and household growth will be affected in the short-term with the closing in February 2009 of Northern Engraving, the community s largest employer. Provided that another industry will reuse the former Northern Engraving facility, Spring Grove is project to resume its slow, but steady growth rate over the long-term. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 6

15 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 4 The higher rate of household growth compared to population growth in the County can be attributed declining household sizes (2.70 people per household in 1990 to 2.58 in 2000 and a projected 2.48 in 2010). These rates are declining because of several factors, including the aging of the population, couples decisions to have fewer children than their parents or no children at all, as well as an increase in single-person households. Population Age Distribution Trends Table 3 shows the age distribution of Houston County s population in 1990 and 2000, as well as projections for 2010 and The 1990 and 2000 distributions are from the U.S. Census, while the projections were made by Maxfield Research Inc. based on data from the State Demographic Center and Claritas Inc. The tables show the age distribution for each community in the County, as well as the townships as a whole. The following are key trends noted in the age distribution of Houston County s population: 4 With the aging of the baby boom generation, the greatest growth in Houston County from 2010 to 2020 will among people age 55 to 74, as their population is projected to increase by 37% or a total of about 1,500 people. This growth will increase the demand for maintenance-free living, such as townhomes. 4 With an increasing proportion of the population becoming empty-nesters, the number of children age 17 and under is project to remain stable or declining slightly. The younger adult population is projected to grow, however, adding 240 people between the ages of 25 and 44 between 2010 and However, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to decline by over 750 people. 4 When the first baby boomers begin turning age 75 shortly after 2020, demand for senior housing will rise dramatically. Until then, most demand from baby boomers will continue to be for single-family homes and, increasingly, townhomes. No. of People 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Distribution of the Adult Population Houston County, 1990 to Age Group MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 9

19 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Household Tenure Table 4 shows the number of owner and renter households in Houston County in 1990 and 2000 and an estimate for Table 5 shows the estimated number of owner and renter households by age of householder in each of the communities and the townships as a whole in The 1990 and 2000 figures are from the Census Bureau and the 2008 figures are estimated by Maxfield Research Inc. based on data from Claritas, Inc and recent housing construction trends. Key points derived from the tables are: In 1990, about 80% of all households in Houston County owned their housing. By 2000, that percentage increased slightly to 81%, and as of 2008 we estimate it to be 82%. Contributing to the increase in the homeownership rate are the aging of the baby boomers into peak homeownership years, increased development of single-family homes, and easier financing that made homeownership more obtainable for younger households earlier this decade. Table 4 shows that renter growth in Houston County over the past 18 years has been concentrated in the seven communities (particularly La Crescent and Caledonia). However, the townships lost a total of 95 renters last decade and 34 renters so far this decade. The loss of renters in the townships is due primarily to fewer homes being available for rent, while renter growth in the communities is due to new apartment developments (senior and generaloccupancy), as well as single-family homes being rented. These trends are projected to continue through As households progress through their life cycle, housing needs change. The chart below shows that the proportion of renter households decreases significantly as households age out of their young-adult years. However, by the time households reach their senior years, rental housing often becomes a more viable option than homeownership, as seniors look for more maintenance-free housing options. Households 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1, % Owner & Renter Households by Age of Householder Houston County, % 81% 90% 94% 91% 75% 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Homeownership Rate Renters Owners Homeownership Rate MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 13

22 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Household Income The estimated distribution of households by income in Houston County for 2008 and 2013 is shown in Tables 6 and 7. The data was estimated by Maxfield Research and is based on income trends provided by Claritas Inc., a national demographics firm. The data helps ascertain the demand for different housing products based on the size of the market at specific cost levels. The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordable housing costs as less than 30% of a household s adjusted gross income. Maxfield Research Inc. uses a figure of 25% to 30% for younger households and 40% or more for seniors, since seniors generally have lower living expenses and can often sell their homes and use the proceeds toward housing payments. The following are key points from Table 6: 4 The overall median household income in the County is estimated at about $48,800 in This is lower than the state median of $56,800. However, the state median is boosted by much higher incomes in the Twin Cities Metro Area, which had a median household income of $62,850 in As the chart below shows, median incomes in most communities is lower than the County average. This is mostly because the communities contain the bulk of the County s rental stock including low-income and senior rental housing. La Crescent s high median income is the result of subdivisions of upper-end homes drawing professionals from the greater La Crosse Metro Area. Household Income $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $ Median Household Incomes, Houston County Brownsville Caledonia Eitzen Hokah Houston La Crescent Spring Grove Townships Minnesota Median Household Income County Median HH Income MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 16

23 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 4 As shown in Table 6, Houston County s median income peaks in the 45-to-54-year-old age group at about $62,000, as these householders are generally in their peak earning years. Seniors over age 75 had the lowest median income at about $21,500. While their incomes are lower, most seniors also have fewer expenses and often own their home out-right. TABLE 6 HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY AGE OF HOUSEHOLDER HOUSTON COUNTY (Number of Households) 2008 Age of Householder Total Communities Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34, $35,000 to $49, $50,000 to $74,999 1, $75,000 to $99, $100,000 or more Total 5, , Median Income $48,828 $33,653 $53,076 $60,890 $62,043 $60,438 $40,172 $20,657 Townships Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34, $35,000 to $49, $50,000 to $74, $75,000 to $99, $100,000 or more Total 3, Median Income $49,298 $32,220 $51,254 $57,316 $61,902 $55,547 $41,477 $23,380 Houston County Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34,999 1, $35,000 to $49,999 1, $50,000 to $74,999 1, $75,000 to $99,999 1, $100,000 or more 1, Total 8, ,135 1,355 1,886 1, ,163 Median Income $49,014 $33,170 $52,398 $59,508 $61,985 $58,430 $40,644 $21,553 Sources: Claritas, Inc. Maxfield Research Inc. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 17

24 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS TABLE 7 HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY AGE OF HOUSEHOLDER HOUSTON COUNTY (Number of Households) 2013 Age of Householder Total Communities Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34, $35,000 to $49, $50,000 to $74,999 1, $75,000 to $99, $100,000 or more Total 5, ,034 1, Median Income $54,563 $39,303 $58,216 $65,772 $67,059 $67,383 $45,397 $23,333 Townships Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34, $35,000 to $49, $50,000 to $74, $75,000 to $99, $100,000 or more Total 3, Median Income $55,002 $37,620 $57,776 $61,328 $68,748 $60,174 $48,778 $30,565 Houston County Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34, $35,000 to $49,999 1, $50,000 to $74,999 1, $75,000 to $99,999 1, $100,000 or more 1, Total 8, ,311 1,167 1,721 1,681 1,051 1,205 Median Income $54,729 $38,882 $58,033 $64,198 $67,674 $64,505 $46,870 $24,923 Sources: Claritas, Inc. Maxfield Research Inc. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 18

25 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Household Income by Tenure Table 8 shows the estimated number of owner and renter households within 11 income ranges in Houston County as of This information was estimated by Maxfield Research based on data from the U.S. Census and Clartias, Inc. It offers insight on the impact of income on housing choice. Key points derived from the table are: There is a positive relationship between income and homeownership, as the percentage of households that own their housing increases with income (from 59% among those with incomes below $15,000 to 98% among those with incomes of $100,000 or more). Almost half of the County s renters in 2008 have incomes below $25,000 and may have needed some type of subsidy to afford their housing. About 520 renters in Houston County have incomes greater than $35,000. Should these households allocate 25% of their income on housing, they could afford net monthly rents of about $625 per month (not including utilities). Most rental units in the County have monthly rents below this $625. TABLE 8 TENURE BY HOUSEHOLD INCOME HOUSTON COUNTY 2008 Own Rent No. Pct. No. Pct. Less than $15, $15,000 to $24, $25,000 to $34, $35,000 to $49,999 1, $50,000 to $74,999 1, $75,000 to $99,999 1, $100,000 to $149, $150,000 or more Total 6, , Median Income $55,600 $26,520 Source: US Census Bureau; Maxfield Research Inc. It is likely that most of the 1,085 owner households with incomes below $25,000 are seniors. Most own their homes outright, and thus their monthly housing expense is still low since they do not have a mortgage. Otherwise, most buyers of single-family homes need incomes well above $25,000 to afford the monthly cost. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 19

26 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Households 2,000 1,750 1,500 1,250 1, Tenure by Household Income Houston County, 2008 Rent Own <$15K $15-24K $25- $34K 259 1,148 $35- $49K 204 1,741 $50- $74K 37 1,033 $75- $99K $100- $149K $150K+ Household Type Table 9 on the following page shows a breakdown of the types of households present in Houston County for 1990, 2000, and The 1990 and 2000 data is from the U. S. Census Bureau and the 2008 estimates were made by Maxfield Research based on data from the Claritas Inc. and the Minnesota Demographic Center. The information is useful in assessing housing demand since the household composition often dictates the type of housing needed and preferred. Key points derived from the table are: 4 Since 1990, Houston County has continued to see a decrease in the proportion of married couples with and an increase in the proportion of all other types of households. This shift has occurred throughout Minnesota and is due to several factors, including couples waiting longer to have children, baby boomers aging into their empty nester years, an increase in single parents, and the societal trend of unmarried couples living together. 4 Overall, the communities in Houston County have a much greater proportion of persons living alone and a lower proportion of married couples with children. This largely due to the number of seniors living in apartments or single-family homes. This is a trend that is likely to continue through 2020, as single seniors often move from rural areas into communities and many families seek housing on larger estates in rural areas. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 20

28 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Employment Growth Trends Since employment growth generally fuels household growth, employment trends are a reliable indicator of housing demand. Typically, households prefer to live near work for convenience. Employment growth trends and projections for Houston County are shown in Tables 10 through 13. The following are key trends derived from the employment data: Jobs Located in Houston County Table 10 shows data on covered employment for Houston County in 2000 and Covered employment data is calculated as an annual average and reveals the number of jobs in the County that are covered by unemployment insurance. Most farm jobs, self-employed people, and some other types of jobs are not covered by unemployment insurance and are not included in the table. The data comes from the Employment and Economic Development Department. 4 The number of jobs in Houston County remained relatively steady at about 5,050 from 2000 to With little job growth, most housing demand will be generated from people commuting to jobs located elsewhere, replacement of obsolete housing, or seniors moving into alternatives from their single-family homes. 4 Between 2000 and 2007, goods-producing jobs (mining, manufacturing, and construction) and government jobs increased while service jobs decreased in Houston County. This is opposite what has happened in most locations around the Nation, in which manufacturing jobs declined and service jobs increased, largely due to the expanding medical field. 4 The average annual wage of jobs in the County increased by 22% between 2000 and 2007, to $25,800. Although dependant on household size, most households with an income of about $25,800 would qualify for housing that is income-restricted. It should be noted, however, that most households with two people earning the average annual wage would be able to afford market rate rental or for-sale housing. Employed People Living in Houston County Table 11 presents resident employment data for Houston County from 1990 through 2008 (through September). Resident employment data is calculated as an annual average and reveals the work force and number of employed people living in the County. It is important to note that not all of these individuals necessarily work in the County. Table 12 shows commuter patterns to and from Houston County based on data obtained from the 2000 Census. The data shows the work destinations for people who live in the County, as well as where employees live who work in the County. 4 While Table 10 showed that there were about 5,000 jobs in Houston County in 2007, Table 11 shows that there were over 10,600 employed people in the County. This indicates that a large portion of all Houston County residents are commuting to jobs located outside of the County (some are farmers/small business owners not covered by unemployment insurance). This is further highlighted by the worker commuting pattern data shown in Table 12. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 22

30 DEMOGRAPHIC ANLAYSIS In 2007, there were about 745 manufacturing job in Houston County. This will decrease in with the closing of the Northern Engraving facility in Spring Grove. Northern Engraving employs about 250 people at its Spring Grove facility. There is always the possibility that at least some of these jobs will be regained if another business reuses the closed facility. The labor force in Houston County grew rapidly from 1990 to 1995 adding 1,200 people. It remained flat during the second half of the 1990s and then had a short burst in 2001 and has been flat since then, at about 11,300 people. While the size of the labor force has remained steady since 2001, unemployment has been rising (from 4.4% in 2001 to 5.6% in 2008). The current unemployment rate is the highest this decade, and parallels what has been happening around the Nation. TABLE 11 RESIDENT EMPLOYMENT HOUSTON COUNTY 1990 TO 2008* Unemployment Rate Labor Houston Year Force Employment Unemployment County MN ,730 9, % 4.8% ,944 10, % 3.7% ,938 10, % 3.1% ,207 10, % 3.8% ,291 10, % 4.5% ,274 10, % 4.9% ,331 10, % 4.6% ,221 10, % 4.2% ,320 10, % 4.0% ,418 10, % 4.6% 2008* 11,320 10, % 5.3% Change Number 1,208 1, Percent Change Number Percent * 2008 through September Sources: MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development; Maxfield Research Inc. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 24

31 DEMOGRAPHIC ANLAYSIS 8 As illustrated in the Table 12 and in the map on Page 27, there is a large out migration of workers from Houston County. In 2000, only half of Houston County residents also worked in Houston County, while 38% of the residents commuted to jobs in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. There was less in-migration of people to jobs in Houston County in Over threequarters of the County s jobs were filled by people living in the County. This is largely due to Houston County being mostly rural with fewer jobs than in surrounding counties that have larger regional centers, such as La Crosse, Rochester, Winona, and Austin. TABLE 12 HOUSTON COUNTY COMMUTING PATTERNS 2000 Place of Residence Employment Count Percent Place of Employment for Houston County Residents Houston Houston 4, % Houston La Crosse, WI 3, % Houston Winona % Houston Fillmore % Houston Olmsted % Houston Winneshiek, IA % Houston Allamakee, IA % Houston Other % 10, % Place of Residence for Workers Commuting to Houston County Houston Houston 4, % La Crosse, WI Houston % Winona Houston % Fillmore Houston % Allamakee, IA Houston % Winneshiek, IA Houston % Other Houston % 6, % Sources: US Census Bureau Maxfield Research Inc. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 25

32 DEMOGRAPHIC ANLAYSIS Growth trends in the number of jobs located in surrounding counties is shown below. Job growth in La Crosse County, Wisconsin has the greatest impact on housing demand in Houston County, as that is where 38% of the County s residents work. Between 2000 and 2007, La Crosse County added about 2,300 jobs, or a 3.7% increase. The unemployment rate in La Crosse County is also low at 3.7% in September 2008, well below the national average and Houston County. Job growth in Winona and Fillmore Counties has been flat this decade, and thus they are not likely contributing much to Houston County s housing demand. Olmstead County has seen strong growth this decade adding over 8,000 jobs. Because it is a little more distant, only about 1.0% of Houston County s residents worked there in Thus, this strong job growth likely does not have much impact on Houston County s housing demand. Covered Employment Trends, Surrounding Counties Total Jobs County Olmstead 82,659 88,789 90,851 Fillmore 6,784 6,511 6,381 Winona 25,060 24,579 25,036 La Crosse, WI 63,616 64,697 65,943 Subtotal 178, , ,211 Sources: MN Dept. of Economic Security; WI Dept. of Workfoce Development The map on the following page highlights the commuting patterns throughout Houston County. The data is from the U.S. Census Bureau for the year 2000, and shows three job destinations the local community, elsewhere in Houston County, and outside Houston County. Key findings from the map are as follows: 8 Almost three-quarters of La Crescent workers commuted to jobs in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Brownsville and Hokah also had nearly three-quarters of their residents commuting to La Crosse. 8 Caledonia had the greatest percentage of residents that worked locally at about two-thirds. Spring Grove, Houston, and Eitzen all had about a third of their residents working locally. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 26

33 DEMOGRAPHIC ANLAYSIS Major Employers Table 13 on the following page lists the major employers in Houston County based on the most recent data provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development or MN PRO. The following are a few key points from Table 13. Caledonia has the highest employment base in Houston County. Twelve major employers were identified in Caledonia with over 1,000 total employees. The county government office in Caledonia is a major employer, along with the local school district and several manufacturers. La Crescent has the highest population in the county but a modest employment base. Many of La Crescent s residents work in La Crosse. La Crescent s largest employer is the school district, followed by the La Crescent Health Care Center. Apple growers have high seasonal employment. MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 27

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